In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, we’re going to look at a few terms related to memory and processing. Bit In terms of memory, a bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest possible unit of data on a computer system. A single bit is basically a tiny electrical ‘switch’ that’s either ‘on’ or...

In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, let’s have a look at some terms related to system graphics and performance. RAM RAM refers to Random Access Memory. Unlike the memory format you’d see in a hard drive, Random Access Memory is not persistent- that is, data stored in RAM vanishes once the power is cut to a computer- it only...

After running a first-generation Mac Pro for over 4 years, it is about time to upgrade. In looking at the comparison between the Mac Pro and the new iMacs, I arrived at what (to me) was a surprising decision.Coming from a Mac Pro, I had always considered that I would upgrade to a Mac Pro. However, after looking at the pricing and the options, it is clear that...

In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, we’ll look at some terms related to networking. Mac AddressA Media Access Control Address, also known as a hardware or physical address, is a unique value associated with the network adapter on your computer. Basically, it’s what’s used to identify and associate with a system over a...

For those who don’t know, there are generally held to be two ‘breeds’ of hard drive: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disc Drives (HDDs). The former’s a fairly new format, only entering the market in the last few years or so. The latter is considered to be the ‘conventional’ hard drive we all know and love. There’s...

When you hear "touchscreen", you think of mobile electronics like a smartphone, a GPS device or other like items. However full-size desktop touchscreen monitors are available, have been for some time, and they’re not as expensive as most people assume they are. You really should have Windows 7 if going with a touchscreen monitor It’s not...

I remember when HP was a big deal. But, today, they seem to be hell-bent on destroying themselves. The rather public failure of the WebOS is just the tip of the iceberg with HP. They took a nice tablet with a nice OS – honestly, the only tablet OS that had a chance at competing head on with Apple’s iPad – and they destroyed it. In no time...

I find PC repair guys to be funny, as in ha-ha funny. These gentlemen drive around town in their beat-up pickup trucks or vans with magnetic signs on the driver’s door with "PC REPAIR" printed on it. Some even use stick-on letters that are supposed to go on postal mailboxes. These ‘businessmen’ operate out of shacks – as in...

A telephone answering machine (TAM) is a standalone box that sits next to your landline phone where if a call isn’t answered after a certain number of rings, the machine picks up the line, plays a message and instructs the caller to leave a message. Yes, I know, you’d think everyone in the world would know that. However bear in mind there are more...

In the US, Irene is coming. Maybe. It could be a Category 3 hurricane in Florida where PCMech is based. There are many write-ups on the internet describing the best ways to protect your electronics during weather disasters, however there’s a few things they don’t cover in too much detail that are pretty important. A UPS is little good to you if you...